Ling Ziqun has been removed from his post as director of forestry police in Qingyuan, Guangdong province, for suspicion of online gambling.

An investigation found that Ling was suspected of online gambling, involving a huge amount of money, according to a micro-blog post by the Qingyuan city government on Monday.

A man named Zheng alleged Ling had incurred debts of 1.05 million yuan ($170,000) owed to a man named Deng since Ling started gambling on soccer online in September, Guangzhou Daily reported last week.

Zheng alleged he had guaranteed the loans but Ling failed to repay the debt, which was due on Nov 1.

Zheng and Ling were sued, with Ling claiming the money borrowed was used to do business instead of gambling.

The ruling from the local court in January required that Ling pay back the debt plus interest and that Zheng should shoulder joint responsibility. Zheng's two property units were confiscated and his car was taken by Deng.

Ling has also been removed from his post as a member of the leading Party members' group of Qingyuan forestry bureau.